The newsroom includes access to CHA News, which provides timely information to members every Thursday and is at the core of CHA benefits. In addition, it is also home to resources such as toolkits and talking points designed to help member hospitals and health systems communicate with internal and external audiences on a range of current health care-related issues. Links to CHA media statements and press releases can also be found here.
Newsroom
Return Hospital Engagement Letters for Area Wage Index Litigation by Dec. 8
What’s happening: Dec. 8 is the deadline for hospitals to sign up for a CHA-supported legal challenge to Medicare’s low-wage index policy.
What else to know: An updated analysis increases the estimated impact of these policies on California hospitals from $26 million to $33 million in federal fiscal year (FFY) 2024.
During a Season of Thanks, an Opportunity for Gratitude
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” — John F. Kennedy
Landmark Law for Critical Access Hospitals Takes Effect on Jan. 1
What’s happening: Nov. 16 is National Rural Health Day. But in California, many rural hospitals don’t have enough physicians to serve their patients.
What else to know: Starting in 2024, some rural hospitals — specifically, critical access hospitals — can directly employ physicians, with a goal of attracting them to smaller communities.
Summary: Finalized Policies Address Physician Payment and Quality Updates
What’s happening: A members-only summary from Health Policy Alternatives, Inc. discusses the final physician payment policies for calendar year (CY) 2024.
What else to know: Policies are effective Jan. 1.
Hear From DataGen About the Outpatient Payment Final Rule
What’s Happening: A DataGen webinar on Dec. 5 at noon (PT) will provide an overview of the calendar year 2024 outpatient prospective payment system final rule. What Else to Know: Registration is required.
Continuing Education Credits Available in Multiple Areas for Symposium Attendees
What’s happening: CHA’s 2023 Behavioral Health Care Symposium (Dec. 12-13) in Sacramento will offer continuing education (CE) credits in multiple areas for qualifying participants.
What else to know: To qualify to receive CE credits, registrants must complete a post-event survey, attest to participation, and provide a professional license number.
Summary: Providers Would Face Financial Penalties for Information Blocking
What’s happening: A members-only summary from Health Policy Alternatives, Inc., of the proposed rule on information blocking details provider disincentives related to programs from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
What else to know: Comments on the proposed rule are due Jan. 2.
New Requirements for Hospital Supplier Diversity Reporting Coming in 2025
What’s happening: Assembly Bill (AB) 1392 (2023) expands the Hospital Supplier Diversity program by requiring additional reporting information for hospitals, effective July 1, 2025.
What else to know: A fact sheet from the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) outlines the statutory changes and time frames for program implementation.
Continuing Resolution Averts Government Shutdown and Delays DSH Cuts
What’s happening: The House voted 336-95 on a two-tiered stopgap measure that funds the federal government past the Nov. 17 deadline and delays Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts until Jan. 19. The Senate passed the measure on Nov. 15 and President Biden has indicated he will sign it.
What else to know: Funding expires for certain federal agencies on Jan. 19 and other agencies on Feb. 2.
An Early Warning System for California Hospitals
Earlier this week, CHA’s Hospital Quality Institute issued a statewide alert calling attention to an increased prevalence of whooping cough (pertussis) in California.
